'Twilight' shows divide between girls and boys

Updated 6:32 pm, Sunday, December 2, 2012

This film image released by Summit Entertainment shows Kristen Stewart, left, and Robert Pattinson in a scene from "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2."

This film image released by Summit Entertainment shows Kristen Stewart, left, and Robert Pattinson in a scene from "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2."

Photo: Andrew Cooper

'Twilight' shows divide between girls and boys

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How does “Twilight” affect adolescent viewers? Why do most young men react to it more negatively than young women?

As a high school teacher, I have overheard several conversations regarding “Twilight,” and once I cut through the prepubescent jargon, it is clear the girls like the movies because the two male leads are “hot,” and the boys hate the movies because they're “stupid.”

On the surface, these seem like typical teen arguments. But when I actually observe my classes — mostly freshmen, with one sophomore group — I see that the kids are facing the issues everyone faces during the turbulent teen years: self-image and the desire to experience what fantasies promise.

“Twilight” feeds one of these issues while detracting from the other. Consider that most young females spend much of their childhoods watching Disney-style fairy tales in which the dashing prince whisks away the beautiful princess. There is nothing wrong with this. However, it would be foolish to believe these girls will not fancy the same for themselves.

At the same time, most young males are watching childhood versions of violence, shows depicting fearless warriors defeating heinous villains, all with a hint of rebellion. These stories fuel the male longing to defend while acting macho.

Both parties often carry such influences into young adulthood. Along comes “Twilight,” which depicts the storybook romance many young ladies covet. Bella is the beautiful princess, Edward the dashing prince, and Jacob the bad boy with a golden heart. Such is the epitome of many female fantasies. In addition, actors Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner make quite a pair, thus elevating the fantasy. “Twilight” depicts the perfect boyfriend: handsome, sensitive, protective, gallant.

The flip side involves the self-image of young males. It is mind-numbingly difficult contending with the ups and downs of puberty, both physically and mentally. Boys are often caught in a tidal wave of doubt that many mask with the same tough, macho exterior of the heroes in books and movies. Competing with Edward and Jacob is impossible.

This realization forces many boys to re-evaluate their own worth and, thus, creates a cynical outlook. These boys do not like to see girls fawn over what they can never be, so they attack the source. “Twilight,” the target of youthful jealousy, is therefore “stupid.”

The films are not bad movies. And they have a deeper effect on teens. Should this be cause for adult concern? It depends. There is no harm as long as the fantasy does not prevent them from coping with reality. And I see no potential damage as long as those opposing the fantasy do so in a healthy manner.

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In the end, “Twilight” is a work of fiction in which the interpretations must be left to the individual. It is not my intention to place males and females on either side of the proverbial “Twilight” line. There are many shades of gray when it comes to these films. My stance comes from my observations of the public high school scene. I encourage everyone to draw his or her own conclusions.

Michael Bommer is a high school English teacher in the Northside Independent School District.